Advanced Lipid Profile Testing

Standard blood fat (lipid) tests tell you your total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol and triglycerides. Advanced lipid profile testing takes it a step further. Instead of looking at just the total levels of LDL and HDL, these extra blood tests usually take a closer look at the components of LDL and HDL.

LDL can be made up of smaller, denser particles or larger, more buoyant ones. The smaller ones are considered more deadly than the larger ones (you can think of it as bullets vs. ping pong balls). If you have more of the small particles (called "pattern B"), your doctor may want to give you cholesterol-lowering medication even if your LDL number appears to be normal or borderline. She may also want to give you a medication like Niaspan (a prescription version of the B vitamin niacin), which helps change dense LDL particles into larger (safer) ones.

HDL is normally thought of as protective, because it helps remove bad cholesterol from the body. But really there are different types of HDL, and the advanced lipid profile testing can tell your doctor whether or not you have enough of the most beneficial one (called HDL II-b).

Most people don't need these advanced tests, which is good news because they're expensive ($800 to $1,000, and not always covered by insurance). Your doctor may recommend them, however, if you have a high risk of heart disease—and especially if you have "normal" cholesterol and triglycerides despite your other risk factors (like a strong family history).

Disclaimer: Your seeking information on health related topics and/or Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD’s providing such information herein constitutes neither the solicitation of nor the provision of medical advice, services, care or treatment. Communication with Dr. Fryhofer on this website does not create a doctor/patient relationship. For concerns about your own particular medical condition, you should consult your own medical professional, who can examine and evaluate you. Communication on a website is not a substitute for taking an active role in your own medical care and treatment and being personally seen by a physician of choice in your area.

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